U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of tariffs of at least 10 percent across all countries will inevitably meet universal opposition from the international community, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Monday, in once again expressing China's firm opposition to the U.S. move.
On April 2, Trump issued an executive order to impose tariffs on all imports to the United States at a minimum of 10 percent, with limited exceptions, and certain countries and entities will be tariffed at higher rates ranging from 11 percent to 50 percent. "The United States pursues hegemony in the name of 'reciprocity,' sacrificing legitimate interests lying behind to serve its own selfish agenda and placing 'America First' above international rules. This is a typical act of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying. China has issued a statement on opposing the U.S. abuse of tariffs to express a firm opposition. The abuse of tariffs by the U.S. essentially deprives other countries, especially those in the Global South, of the right to development," said Lin Jian, the spokesman, at a press conference in Beijing.
Lin also cited data from the World Trade Organization (WTO), which show that in the context of economic disparities and unequal economic strength, the U.S. tariffs will further widen the wealth gap between nations, with less-developed countries bearing greater impact. This will severely hinder efforts to achieve the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
"The application of differentiated tariff rates by the U.S. violates the WTO's principle of non-discrimination, severely disrupts the normal international economic and trade order and the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains, seriously undermines the multilateral trading regime and greatly impacts the world economic recovery. It will inevitably meet widespread opposition from the international community," Lin said.
Lin also said that openness and cooperation are a historical trend and people hope to see win-win outcomes.
Noting that development is the universal right of all countries, not an exclusive right of a few, Lin called on all countries to safeguard the multilateral trading system.
"All countries should uphold the principle of extensive consultation, joint construction and shared benefits, stay committed to true multilateralism, and jointly oppose all forms of unilateralism and protectionism, to safeguard the international system centered on the United Nations and the WTO-centered multilateral trading system," he said.
U.S. tariffs will inevitably face universal opposition by international community: spokesman
